Secondary (High) Schools

Secondary School is for students from Grades 8 to 12
(students approximately 14 to 18 years old)

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The two secondary or “high” schools of District 69 enjoy a tradition of academic excellence with a steady stream of graduates advancing annually, to post-secondary institutions in BC, other parts of Canada and the USA. Each year, our graduates win academic, sport and music scholarships to Canadian and American universities. Our schools offer a rich and varied selection of courses and instruction and an International Student Counselor is based at each school to provide academic counseling and help with adjusting to Canadian life.

Ballenas Secondary School (BSS) is one of two secondary schools (high schools) in our district. BSS is located in the small, waterfront city of Parksville and featuring a beautiful, sheltered sandy beach and extensive natural parks and trails.

Enrolled at BSS are international students from around the world including: Germany, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Brazil, Thailand, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Japan and China. There is a dedicated International Student Program (ISP) counsellor based at the school to ensure that students in the program receive the advise and support they need to transition successfully into our secondary school program.

Our school district has all of the traditional courses available to our students in English (Creative Writing, Literature, Communications) and the Humanities (History, Geography, Law), Math and Sciences (Calculus, Biology, Chemistry) for which the BC education system is known along with many specialized courses and programs for students including locally developed curriculum in: Marine Biology, Leadership and Outdoor Education. Ballenas Secondary also boasts a comprehensive Fine Arts program including Musical Theatre, Drama, Photography, Concert Band, Glee Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Guitar studies.

Extracurricular sport programs at the school include opportunities to participate in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. A Football (American) Program is also offered by the district, with Junior Varsity and Senior ‘AA’ Varsity level teams taking the field. Former team members have gone on to play for both university and professional (CFL) teams. Ballenas Secondary is also the location of our district’s French Immersion program for grades 8 -12.

Kwalikum Secondary School (KSS) is one of two secondary schools (high schools) in our district. KSS is located in Qualicum Beach and a five-minute walk from the heart of our quaint downtown core featuring shops, restaurants, the post office, our lovely Town Hall and local library. Like BSS, there are international students from around the world including: Germany, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Brazil, Thailand, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Japan and China. There is a dedicated International Student Program (ISP) counsellor based at the school to ensure that students in the program receive the advise and support they need to transition successfully into our secondary school program. Our school district has established academy programs at KSS in golf, soccer and music with an emphasis on enhanced training and development in these areas.

The Soccer Academy addresses the academic and athletic needs of students who either play, or desire to play, soccer at high level. Player development is central to the program. Technical and tactical ability and individual player development within a team setting is the focus supported by the Director of Instruction, Shel Brodsgaard, a former Canadian National Player, Coach and Head Video Technician for Toronto FC of the MLS.

For students wishing to fully immerse themselves in the world of golf there is no better place than Parksville-Qualicum Beach. This region is a mecca for golfers with seven local courses to chose from. Our Golf Academy program, based at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, provides golf swing instruction by a PGA professional, as well as lessons in golf etiquette, course management and tournament play. Students will also be introduced to the operations side of the golf world with instruction in tournament management, retail sales and golf resort management.

Our district Music Academy programs are nationally recognized and taught by talented music
specialists. Students can receive both individual instruction and participate in concert band, jazz band, concert choir, jazz choir and guitar ensembles. Our programs place an emphasis on participating in regional and national competitions, as well as providing travel opportunities to festivals and music-centred events across Canada and internationally.